1st Edition

Evaluating the K–12 Literacy Curriculum A Step by Step Guide for Auditing Programs, Materials, and Instructional Approaches

By Colleen Pennell Copyright 2020
    238 Pages 36 B/W Illustrations
    by Eye On Education

    238 Pages 36 B/W Illustrations
    by Eye On Education

    238 Pages 36 B/W Illustrations
    by Eye On Education

    As your school district undertakes the process of evaluating its K–12 reading program, literacy curriculum, or literacy instructional practices, this book will be your go-to resource. Pennell offers a step-by-step guide for educators, school leaders, or professional learning communities to evaluate high-quality instructional materials and standards-aligned literacy practices. It includes a wealth of tools such as timelines, full meeting agendas, stakeholder surveys, and evaluation rubrics.

    Chapters cover key topics, including:

    • Literacy leadership team meetings
    • Reviewing foundational skills
    • Comprehension and vocabulary
    • Evaluating writing
    • Selecting new materials
    • Implementing new literacy materials
    • Supporting educators through instructional coaching and professional learning

    Pennell provides a straightforward framework for how educators can work together collaboratively to analyze, reflect, and ultimately evaluate their school district’s literacy program. Each chapter is grounded in salient research on the why of literacy teaching and learning and helps you understand how instruction can be meaningfully aligned with current standards. The research and theory that support effective literacy instruction—including culturally responsive practices—are explained in an accessible and pragmatic manner.

    The practical tools in this book are essential for administrators and educators tasked with evaluating literacy programs and practices, as well as graduate students who must learn how to audit a literacy curriculum. Whether you’re a school administrator, teacher, or reading specialist, this book will ensure all your students can reach success in literacy.

    1. Introduction
    2. Chapter 1: Organizing Teams and Gathering the Data
    3. Chapter 2: Literacy Leadership Team Meeting #1
    4. Chapter 3: Evaluating Foundational Skills
    5. Chapter 4: Evaluating Comprehension Grades K-3
    6. Chapter 5: Evaluating Comprehension Grades 4-12
    7. Chapter 6: Evaluating Vocabulary Grades K-12
    8. Chapter 7: Evaluating Writing Grades K-12
    9. Chapter 8: Evaluating Classroom Libraries and Independent Reading
    10. Chapter 9: Literacy Leadership Meeting #2: Concluding the Evaluation and Making Recommendations
    11. Chapter 10: Literacy Leadership Meeting #3: Evaluating New Literacy Program or Materials
    12. Chapter 11: Pilot-Testing Recommendations
    13. Chapter 12: Implementing a New Literacy Program: Professional Development and Coaching
    14. Appendix A: Pre Evaluation Forms
      1. Community Builders
      2. Hypothesis Generation
      3. Literacy Achievement Data

    15. Appendix B: Surveys and Tools
      1. Administrator Survey
      2. Literacy Practices Survey: Foundational Skills
      3. Literacy Practices Survey: Reading Comprehension (K-3)
      4. Literacy Practices Survey: Reading Comprehension (4-12)
      5. Literacy Practices Survey: Vocabulary
      6. Literacy Practices Survey: Writing
      7. Literacy Practices Survey: Independent Reading and Classroom Skills
      8. Parent Survey
      9. K-5 Student Survey
      10. 6-12 Student Survey
      11. Student Reading Interest Survey

      12. Evaluation Tool of Children’s Handwriting

    16. Appendix C: Composite Score Sheet
      1. Foundational Skills Instructional Practices Evaluation Form
      2. K-3 Reading Comprehension Instructional Practices Evaluation Form
      3. 4-12 Reading Comprehension Instructional Practices Evaluation Form
      4. Vocabulary Instructional Practices Evaluation Form
      5. Writing Instructional Practices Evaluation Form
      6. Independent Reading and Classroom Libraries Evaluation Form

      7. Reading Evaluation Document: Group Composite Scores

    17. Appendix D: Post Evaluation Forms
      1. Instructional Needs Template
      2. Feedback Form for Pilot-Tested Program

    Biography

    Colleen Pennell is an assistant professor at Carroll University in Wisconsin. She was previously a K–12 reading specialist and elementary teacher in Wisconsin and the Southwest.

    "Pennell offers a straightforward process—informed by research—that leads school districts or reading specialists through a literacy curriculum audit and review of instructional practices. This book is invaluable for leaders wanting to improve literacy achievement for all children."

    --JoAnne Schudt Caldwell, Professor Emerita, Cardinal Stritch University, USA